ESCANABA, MI— One person died in a structure fire in Escanaba Wednesday.
Escanaba Public Safety was dispatched around 1:55 a.m. to 1011 Ludington Street. Within minutes of officers’ arrival, the building was fully engulfed. Residents of nearby buildings were told to evacuate but not all tenants were accounted for.
The fire was brought under control about eight hours later, but it was difficult to fully extinguish because the structure was collapsing. Excavators were brought in to clear debris so firefighters could douse the flames.
While the debris was being cleared, crews found an unidentified victim. No information about the victim is available at this time.
The buildings at 1009 and 1011 Ludington are a complete loss. Buildings on their east and west side were damaged. The public is asked to stay away from the area due to dangerous structural conditions.
Escanaba Public Safety was at the scene for about 12 hours.
The fire remains under investigation.
Assisting with the incident were Delta County Central Dispatch, Delta County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Rampart EMS, DTE, Escanaba Public Works, Escanaba Water Department, Escanaba City Electric, Spectrum, the Ford River Township, Escanaba Township, Bark River, Masonville and Brampton Fire Departments, Gladstone Public Safety Department, Red Cross, Gene’s Towing, and Brunette & Sons Excavating.
Officers would like to thank all who donated hot coffee, food, and refreshments.
